As a cinephile, it’s always fascinating to see who an actor dreams of working with next. Andrew Garfield‘s list is nothing short of extraordinary, boasting names like Meryl Streep, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro, alongside newer talents such as Timothee Chalamet and Austin Butler. His eclectic taste in acting partners reflects his own versatility as an actor, spanning from the legends of Hollywood’s golden age to today’s rising stars.
Welcome back, Andrew Garfield. You’ve been missed.
The renowned British actor has accomplished every task imaginable, from spinning webs to producing musicals – just name it. In recent years though, he felt it necessary to step away from public attention. Now, with the film We Live in Time scheduled to conclude the San Sebastian Film Festival this coming Saturday, the Academy Award nominee is set to make a spectacular comeback on screen.
In more recent times, Garfield has ventured into various projects such as the TV miniseries titled “Under the Banner of Heaven,” which was released in 2022. Not to mention his memorable role in the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home.
This year, the actor tells The Hollywood Reporter that he’s all set for a return to the spotlight. “I feel more relaxed, I feel less guarded, I feel more jubilant,” the 41-year-old expresses. Over the past week, he has been exploring and savoring various local delicacies in a coastal Spanish town, reconnecting with old schoolmates: “I’ve been acting like a genuine traveler.
On Saturday, he won’t just be a sightseer; instead, he’ll grace the red carpet alongside Florence Pugh, with hundreds of cameras trained on them. The duo leads in John Crowley’s film “We Live in Time,” a romantic drama set in south London that revolves around an ambitious chef and a recently divorced woman who fall for each other. As they navigate their lives together – even expanding their family – they learn the value of their shared time, as a late-stage cancer diagnosis shakes up their contented household.
The film is penned by Nick Payne, who Garfield admits was a big draw for him boarding the project. The actor found the “Hugh Grant, Richard Curtis vibrational archetype” of the movie rather charming. It also, he says, has been something of a healing experience after losing his own mother to cancer in 2019. “Every species of every living thing on this earth has lost a mother. Young dinosaurs were losing their mothers,” he says. “So in terms of my own personal experience, yeah, it felt like a very simple act of healing for myself, and hopefully healing for an audience.”
Beyond just one project, Garfield has been busy working on various features. On his schedule is “The Magic Faraway Tree” with Claire Foy and Nicola Coughlan, while he’s also set to make a significant career move with “After the Hunt,” directed by Luca Guadagnino and co-starring Julia Roberts and Ayo Edebiri.
Garfield discussed with THR the reasons behind his decision to return to filmmaking with “We Live in Time”, shared some intriguing facts about his co-star Pugh, and mentioned the unexpected number of 28 actors he listed when asked who he’d like to collaborate with next. He expressed that he had a screen test with Ryan Gosling two decades ago, and since then, has been eager to work with him as Gosling is extremely inspiring to him.
What came first with We Live in Time? Was it Nick’s script? Was it John, or Florence?
Following one another closely, the heat became increasingly intense. It seemed like John might have been first, given his role as the script carrier and my eagerness to collaborate with him again since our last project in 2007, “Boy A”. Seeing Nick Payne as the scriptwriter added an immediate spark of excitement, as I’m a huge fan of his work. I admire how he blends sensitivity, humor, and heart so effortlessly, creating a delicate yet powerful balance. It’s not easy to achieve such a blend, making it all the more appealing. Reading it with John’s directing in mind, I thought, “This could turn out to be something truly beautiful.
Later on, Florence proved to be an essential element. Actors playing in the 2012 production of “Constellations” or this particular film needed a certain bravery. It’s clear that Florence fits the role perfectly. The part demands depth, authenticity, vulnerability, and a certain delicacy – yet the ability to plumb the depths of the character’s soul. Few actors possess these qualities.
Taking a break from gaming felt refreshing at first, but reading this new game script was like diving back into my own thoughts. It seemed like an extension of my downtime rather than an interruption. As I realized, it turned out to be the perfect timing – almost as if the script was tailored for me in that moment. And what a privilege it is to transform those feelings into something tangible and playable.
Why did this rom-com-drama feel like the right moment in your career to re-enter the spotlight?
Instead of seeking a romantic drama, it happened unexpectedly, resonating deeply as it touched upon themes that mirrored my personal journey being around midlife at 41. When I share this with others, they often argue it’s not midlife, but I see it as denial of the inevitability of aging. If I’m fortunate enough to reach 80, I will consider myself blessed. In this stage of life, I feel a sense of standing at the crossroads, reflecting on the past, planning for the future, and examining what truly matters to me, where I aspire to be, and how I wish to spend my remaining time and energy. My goal is to reach the end of my life content, knowing I did my best with the circumstances given.
This film, quite unexpectedly, falls into the category of romantic dramas. Consequently, it encompasses themes such as life and death, love, bravery, fear, mortality, apprehension, joy, excitement, yearning – and this movie is brimming with yearning. I experienced it for the first time alongside an audience in Toronto during the film festival, and there were certain moments that left me feeling deeply moved. It was as if I was thinking, “Ah, these are just two individuals striving to exist.” It’s a straightforward desire – they merely want to live. They aren’t seeking grandeur or the extraordinary; they aren’t asking for anything out of the ordinary. Instead, much like us, they yearn for survival, presence, companionship, and to find purpose in their existence. I believe that’s all any of us can aspire to desire.
Are you firmly out of your sabbatical now?
[Laughs.] Absolutely, I concur! I’m eagerly looking forward to working in a fresh manner. I feel less constricted, less guarded. I feel more jubilant, more alert. I feel established enough as an individual and an actor, both within myself and the world, to experience greater enjoyment… I may still be a bit eccentric – when on set, I can become intensely focused, possessed by some strange spirit that is never content – but this will always remain, and I don’t wish for it to change. However, in this context, I can find more pleasure, more joy, more playfulness, and more freedom.
It’s clear that you, along with Florence, have shared openly regarding this movie and its connection to personal stories of loss and cancer. I was wondering if you might feel at ease discussing what led to the decision to present such a profound topic on the silver screen.
I’m grateful for your thoughtful question. It means a lot to me that you asked with sensitivity. To answer your question, I’m not unique in this situation. It’s quite common, really. In fact, it’s something that has been happening since the beginning of time – sons losing their mothers and daughters losing theirs. We’re fortunate if the roles are reversed instead. Of course, I can’t even fathom the pain parents feel when they lose their children, but I don’t have to imagine what it feels like to be in their shoes. What I’ve found comforting is realizing that this experience, while incredibly personal and unique, is also very universal. It’s both ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.
There’s something quite captivating about it, filled with elegance and serenity. I find myself drawn to these qualities, though I can’t explain why. The path to genuine happiness, strangely enough, seems to be paved with unbearable sorrow and the acknowledgement of life as it truly is, rather than as we wish it to be. There have been numerous instances in the past five years where I found myself contemplating, “She shouldn’t have had to leave us so soon, my mother. She shouldn’t have endured such pain, and she shouldn’t have had to suffer like that.” In those moments, I realize how self-centered and egotistical I can be. Yet, it’s a human response, a natural one, as we struggle to make sense of the injustice and unfairness. Eventually, we carry these burdens to nature – to the ocean, the moon, or the forest. And I believe they would all understand, acknowledging with a silent nod, “Yes, I understand your pain, friend.” After all, every creature on this earth has experienced the loss of a mother, even young dinosaurs. From my perspective, it felt like a simple act of healing for myself, and perhaps, for anyone who might relate to my story.
Is that something that you want audiences to feel, coming away from watching We Live in Time?
Even though it might seem like stating the obvious, attending concerts or plays with others provides an extraordinary sense of camaraderie that lessens feelings of isolation in both hardships and triumphs. It’s almost as if to say, “Ah, this is what I was meant for. I cherish collaborating with a team on something meaningful. I appreciate working alongside individuals who allow their vulnerabilities and fragility to shine, reminding me that we all share our scars and weaknesses. In acknowledging each other’s wounds and fragility, we can say, ‘Me too.’ Collectively healing is not just a privilege; it’s a profound experience of shared humanity.
In simpler terms, I can’t control how others react or what they should do. What I desire is for them to approach with an open mind because our culture has been shaped in a way that leads us towards becoming more closed-off and rigid. This makes sense given the current state of the world, which is divisive, uncertain, filled with anxiety, fear, violence, and ugliness. We all have easy access to these negative aspects, and it’s understandable that we are afraid of being open-hearted, saying or feeling something wrong, or being inherently flawed in some way. However, I believe that those who engage with this will, on some level, whether consciously or unconsciously, want to break free from this rigidity.
I also want to talk about the Britishness of this film.
Very British, yeah. In the sex, in the food…
Does it give off a strong vibe similar to that of Richard Curtis’s works? Could you share your experiences working on a film set in London alongside another British actor?
As a gamer, I must admit, it’s been an absolute delight to find time for this immersive experience lately. The simple pleasure of staying home and having my furry companion, Florence, accompany me on morning jogs around Battersea, is just blissful. It’s like stepping into another world, filled with the mundane yet magical scenes we often overlook – gas stations, hospital waiting areas, highways, backroads, and traffic snarl-ups. These everyday landscapes are the very fabric of our lives, and being able to embody characters within them is truly heavenly.
Do you have a favourite pub in Herne Hill?
[Laughs.] Herne Hill is not my hood.
What is your hood?
I’m not revealing that! It’s northwest London.
Do you have any recommendations there?
Near Hampstead train station, you’ll find a fantastic pub called The Stag. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the top-notch bagel spot in London, head to Primrose Hill, where “It’s Bagels” is currently serving up deliciousness.
I’ve been. It’s really good.
Currently, there’s quite a buzz surrounding it, and it definitely delivers on that excitement. It’s fantastic, truly exceptional. In fact, I’ve gone ahead and bought their merchandise, showing just how much I adore them. To be clear, my affection for bagels is immense.
As we move forward in our discussion, let’s shift our focus to the captivating character of Florence. Prior to embarking on this project, had we crossed paths with her before? The process of establishing a connection that seamlessly transformed into an authentic on-screen relationship was truly intriguing. How about you?
For the first time, we hadn’t crossed paths before. I had long admired her work, particularly her portrayal of Lady Macbeth in the 2016 movie. During discussions with John about ideas for Almut [Pugh’s character], since I was initially involved, Florence was a name that quickly rose to the top. For quite some time, I had harbored a desire to collaborate with her, and it was serendipitous that our schedules coincided. As it turned out, she too had expressed an interest in working with me. Moreover, she was eager to create a film similar to this one.
Initially, having a mutual respect as co-actors was beneficial. However, there remained uncertainty: would we get along? Would we find each other likable or even unbearable? Could we handle any potential issues that might arise? Given the nature of this script, we were venturing into very personal spaces. At one point, I had to be close to her lower back while she was on all fours in a gas station, bare. That’s intimidating for anyone, especially the actress involved. This is just one instance illustrating the level of intimacy required. Such scenes could only be tackled if we felt comfortable with each other, which wouldn’t have been feasible otherwise.
Working alongside Florence made the task incredibly straightforward, and I’m confident she feels the same way about our collaboration. I am truly thankful for her contribution, as I believe the success of the film heavily relies on it.
Did you discover any interesting facts or lesser-known aspects about Florence that might intrigue others? If so, could you please share them with us?
That’s an interesting query! To be honest, I wasn’t anticipating anything specific. However, I must admit that I was quite impressed and appreciative of her professionalism in fundamental aspects. For instance, punctuality, readiness, preparation – these are often overlooked as basics, but she excelled in them.
She’s someone who wants everyone to feel included. Whether you’re on set with the crew or on a night out or at a dinner party, she wants everyone to feel like they’re part of the gang. She doesn’t want anyone to feel left out. She’s very, very aware of people’s feelings around a table. And I think that was something that I found really touching and moving about her. And she really, really cares about the work. She really, really is devoted to her work as an actor.
With such an impressive resume, it’s clear that you’ve tackled a wide range of roles – from historical dramas to romantic comedies, superhero films, and even a biopic like Tick, Tick… Boom! I see you have The Magic Faraway Tree and After the Hunt with Luca Guadagnino lined up. Can you give us a sneak peek into your upcoming projects?
I’d love to revisit the roots of creating homemade movies with my father, or those times with my high school pals who accompanied me in San Sebastian. We were reminiscing about our shared memory of having a production company named Budget Productions, which, when pronounced in French, sounds like “boo-shay”. Led by friends Ben and David Morris, we used to create genre films. We’d just use a handheld camera, do some on-the-spot editing, and make mock James Bond movies while we were extremely intoxicated and under the influence, usually when we were 15 or 16. These filmmaking sessions often took place between skateboarding breaks.
The original approach is to return to a more spontaneous and joyful state, much like playing and creating something enjoyable. This was certainly the case with “Tick, Tick… Boom!”, and even though “The Magic Faraway Tree” and “After the Hunt” have distinctly different tones and production methods (one being a large-scale family fantasy film, the other an adult drama), they both retained a sense of playfulness. Director Luca is known for his playful nature, as he embodies unrestrained imagination and freedom in his work. Similarly, working on “The Magic Faraway Tree” was a highly enjoyable and playful experience, especially under the direction of Ben Gregor, with the entire team including Simon Farnaby (writer), and all the actors. This excitement is similar to the feeling of putting on plays with family during holidays, which I’m thrilled about both projects bringing back.
I want to see a Budget Production.
I chuckle. I’ll try to find them, but I can’t guarantee they’re appropriate for everyone. They certainly exist, though.
It’s great to hear that it was fun working with Luca. Have you seen Queer?
He’s been persistently inviting me to watch the movie. So far, he’s only shown me one scene involving oral sex, which I found incredibly moving and almost like a heartfelt love scene between Daniel [Craig] and Drew [Starkey]. It was so tender and filled with yearning, yet it had its graphic moments. But after seeing that, I felt confident that I would really appreciate this film. He’s known for his sensitivity and empathy, and he seems to understand human desire deeply.
Is there a genre of film or TV Show that you haven’t done that really appeals to you?
Currently pondering over several ideas, I’m drawn towards creating a piece that evokes the nostalgia of my youth, reminiscent of the ’90s and early 2000s, with a hint of Amblin Entertainment’s magic, adventure, and swashbuckling action, much like Indiana Jones. I envision a production that blends humor, drama, and romance, resulting in an epic crowd-pleasing adventure. This concept sounds incredibly exciting to bring to life. Additionally, I’ve been contemplating the creation of a film in the style of suspenseful thrillers like Fatal Attraction, Unfaithful, and the work of Adrian Lyne, specifically focusing on the erotic thriller genre.
Like Queer?
In a somewhat similar vein, terms such as “Queer” or “Babe” are becoming less appealing to the younger generation, possibly due to their saturation with explicit content online. The appeal of eroticism seems to be dwindling because of the easy accessibility to graphic pornography. It’s unclear exactly why this is happening, but I find myself yearning for a return to live performances on stage again. Moreover, I feel compelled to contribute to the growth and development of others in the acting and filmmaking industry. This seems like a meaningful way to invest my time. The future remains uncertain, but I’m embracing midlife with gratitude and a desire to make a positive impact.
Midlife sounds great. Okay, who would you love to work with or act alongside next?
Wow, where to even start? I’ve had the fortune of being in a film alongside some of the most iconic actors from previous generations, such as Meryl Streep, but never worked directly with her. The likes of Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Daniel Day-Lewis (should he choose to return), Robert Duvall, Gene Hackman – these are the acting greats I consider as guardians of that profound depth in their craft. However, there are many more talented individuals from my generation and beyond too. Most recently, I was captivated by Colman Domingo’s performance in “Sing Sing” – a film that now ranks among my all-time favorites.
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Zendaya on Spider-Man: No Way Home, an absolute joy to work with. I’d jump at the chance to team up with her again, as well as my friends in the industry. However, I’ve yet to share a set with Eddie Redmayne, Charlie Cox, Tom Sturridge, or Cillian Murphy – though I did screen test with Cillian once and Ben Whishaw, an exciting experience indeed! There are numerous young talents that intrigue me, such as Timothee Chalamet and Austin Butler. I’d also love to reunite with my friend Laura Dern for another project. The list of people I’d like to work with just keeps growing! It was a delight to work briefly with Ayo Edebiri in After the Hunt, whom I admire, and I had the privilege of working more extensively with Julia Roberts, an experience that felt divine.
Tom Hanks is also on my list of actors I’d like to work with someday. Meeting Will Ferrell recently has only fueled that dream. Add Steve Carell and Ryan Gosling to the list as well. I had a screen test with Ryan 20 years ago, and ever since then, I’ve been eager to collaborate with him. He truly inspires me.
And how is it closing San Sebastian with We Live in Time?
This festival is absolutely breathtaking, and the atmosphere is simply delightful. At the start of the celebration, I invited two friends from high school who joined me. I’ve always dreamed of visiting this place for its food, surfing, so that’s exactly what we did. Arriving early, we indulged in local cuisine, surfed the waves, and spent quality time with old pals while exploring the city on foot and by bike. We even snuck in some sightseeing, sampling a bit too much of the local beverages along the way. The scenery was truly stunning. I managed to catch three movies during my stay; “Anora” and “Hard Truths,” which was exceptional. Spending time here amidst the festival has been a treat, as the city is enchanting. Yesterday, I also ventured to Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum – wow! Needless to say, I’ve been enjoying my role as a tourist. I adore city breaks, wandering aimlessly, getting lost, and discovering hidden gems in a place. All in all, it’s been a wonderful experience, and I’ve received nothing but warm welcomes from the locals. I can’t wait to see how people react to the film tomorrow.
A super quick question to end on. Did you know your TikTok fans absolutely love that scene from The Social Network? Where you smash the laptop and say: “Sorry, my Prada’s at the cleaners! Along with my hoodie and my fuck you flip-flops, you pretentious douchebag.”
[Chuckles] It’s all about passion and justice! Seems like TikTok users are drawn to justice, the fiery anger for what’s right, and the relentless pursuit of it – just like Eduardo Saverin in that moment. I believe there might be an unconscious appeal in watching technology being destroyed as well.
The film “We Live in Time” concludes the San Sebastian International Film Festival on September 28, and will be screened in American theaters starting October 11.
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2024-09-28 20:26